Destiny Spirit Apostolic Network – One word from God can change your life.

By Swanson Soyars

“Jesus said, ‘Have the people sit down.’ There was plenty of grass in that place, and the men sat down, about five thousand of them. Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciple, ‘Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted.’ So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.”

Jesus emphasized “Let nothing be wasted, pick up and gather the broken pieces”, (broken promises and dreams of God over your life and the lives of others). The twelve baskets represent both the twelve tribes of Israel and the governmental authority of His kingdom.

Jesus did not pick up the pieces that were left over and or broken, He directed his disciples to pick them up, and place them in the government of His authority.

Just as Israel in the Old Testament was a representation of God’s order and or government in the lives of His people, Jesus came and presented a new order of government where both the law and covenant where completed in Him.

Today He asks us to pick up the broken promises and/or dreams for our lives and others, and place them in the basket of His authority.

God’s provision of both His spoken word and dreams for our life are always enough to meet our immediate need, fill us with a sense of belonging, of being loved, and having a God-given purpose. As we go through life we soon discover that hardships, circumstances, and/or choices we have made have somehow canceled out our dreams and/or destiny that once filled us with joy and anticipation.

Yet given Jesus’ example, we are directed to pick up and gather the broken promises of our lives, and those who are in our circle or may come into our circle of life. By faith we can prevail in our prayers as a starting point for this process to begin. If we assume the Word of God is living and active, and we are filled with the spirit of life(living) and truth, then we can surely handle and pick up God’s spoken word and/or dreams for our lives and others in prayer.

If God did not allow Samuel’s words to fall to the ground, and if His Word does not return to Him void, then do we not have the right to pick up and gather by faith broken dreams and promises spoken by God, place them back under His authority, and allow Him to breathe new life, or mend that which was broken?

So in fact, you are an agent for the restoration of dreams. You are one who can pick up what has been broken and help make it whole again. You may then soon find yourself encountering people in your circle of friends whose dreams are starting to become reality.

Rejoice!

“The LORD has done what He purposed; He has accomplished His word Which He commanded from days of old.”

(Lam 2:17a)

At the end of the day the front door opens, and the little boy runs to the door, announcing “Daddy’s home!” It is a joyful reunion as he relishes Daddy’s enthusiastic embrace and affection, eager to hug and to tell his dad all about his day. He knows he is welcome in Daddy’s arms.

Consider the difference with an orphan who may have had years of painful memories that taught him that fathers will not always be there to welcome and embrace. Even when adopted into a loving home, it may be quite some time before he gets used to the fact that he is a real member of the family and that Daddy will actually be there for him. He may be filled with dread when he disobeys or disappoints, that desertion is sure to follow.

A good father does not want his children to be afraid that he might abandon them. Even when correction is necessary, he still wants them to be restored to favor once again. He wants them to be quick to come to him with their joys and sorrows. He speaks words of encouragement and tells them who they are.

One of the most reassuring and comforting statements Jesus ever made was, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.” (John 14:18)

Intellectually, we may accept this as truth, yet in practice, there may be niggling uncertainties that maybe, just maybe, we will be abandoned for our failures. Maybe we will be “hung out to dry”. Maybe we will be judged or rebuked for not fulfilling His will, if we can even figure out what that is.

We are still trembling at a distance more concerned about forthcoming rebukes or abandonment than comfort. So we pray and plead, “Oh God, please, please, please…” out of desperation, rather faith and joy in His everlasting arms.

Why is that? We assign attitudes to God out of our own fear, beliefs, and experiences that He is not guilty of.

Did you ever notice how Job repeatedly stood his ground that he had done no wrong and did not deserve his calamity? Even his friends were unconvinced. They were sure his present suffering was due to paying for his sins.

I wonder if any of us would have been so bold to declare our own righteousness, especially when contending with God.

Being thoroughly secure in our Father’s love is a source of comfort and strength in times of uncertainty and trouble. It provides peace and reassurance that we are not abandoned and that He remains loyal to us. We don’t have to beg Him for provision or His affection or revelation of His will. Instead we learn to rest in the fact that we are truly and deeply loved, knowing that all will be well. Running to Him with open arms, we have the promise of Jesus’ words to all who trust in Him and the reassurance of the Holy Comforter that we are indeed part of His family.

For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,
from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name,
that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with power through His Spirit in the inner man,
so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; {and} that you, being rooted and grounded in love,
may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,
and to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.
Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us,
to Him {be} the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever and ever. Amen.

(Eph 3:14-21 NAS)

True spiritual evolution starts with a divine dissatisfaction with our current status. Recognition of our need for the Savior initially led us to becoming born again.

From that point on, we grew and made spiritual progress. Yet, when our journey led us to a wall, we grew increasingly appalled at the disparity between the promises of the Word and what was our current experience. The abundant life Jesus promised was only partially understood or incorporated into everyday life. We knew deep down we were falling short of the promise.

In this state, we strain against the limitations and discomfort of our mindsets and emotional trappings, yet are stymied at how to truly break free. Some resign themselves to “You’re only human. That’s just the way it is.”  But it is that continual, growing discontentment that pushes us to keep going, to keep looking for the answer.

Before you assume none of this applies to you, consider this question:

“Are you living in perfect peace at all times?” If not, why not?

Consider the baby chick in the shell. For all of his existence, he has been nourished and has flourished in a place of comfort and security. Growing to the point that the former safe place, the protection from the outside has become restrictive and stifling, no longer is he satisfied with his status or environment. BUT he does not know what to do except to start pecking away at it! He has to do it alone without any outside help. It is his destiny to eventually break free of the shell.

He pecks and rests and pecks again until at long last, he is free. Only then does he find a new world has opened up to him. Selah.

Longing for Liberation

But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as from the Lord, the Spirit. (2 Cor 3:18 NAS)

Outward change where others may notice is not enough. It is the secret, hidden place inside that desperately longs for liberation from worry, fear, disquiet, endless planning or rehearsing the past, self-made dramas of imaginary conversations. While yearning for the promised rest, peace, and contentment, the internal conflict remains.

Nothing the mind can come up with successfully deals with the very root of it all. Why?

To finally admit to ourselves that it’s not working takes courage. To evolve, to go past where we have been, we begin to be willing to give up what we thought we understood, to see the words of Jesus with fresh eyes and a newly opened heart.

Just as with other crises of faith, for those who are hungry enough, this one takes us way out of the comfort zone to launch us into the deeper things of the Spirit.

Deep calls to deep at the sound of Your waterfalls; All Your breakers and Your waves have rolled over me. (Ps 42:7 NAS)

For to us God revealed {them} through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God.

(1 Cor 2:10 NAS)

But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. (1 Cor 2:14 NAS)

Going into the depths means letting go of the shallow waters we were accustomed to. Things may no longer make sense and we are baffled at how to proceed. We find ourselves over our heads, literally.

Evolving spiritually means no longer living out of the mind or emotions, but living from, out of, and by the spirit. It means distinguishing between the soul and spirit, so that the soul is quieted and the spirit is dominant and freedom reigns!

This is a new approach. Out in the deep is a constant serenity. We are no longer tossed by every wave, but are unmoved deep inside, holding the love of God in steadfastness.

Pecking Away

Friend, know this: Once you decide you don’t need the past comforts and security that made up your identity any longer, life is better on the outside of the shell.

You will not get all your questions answered in this process. You may have no idea of how things will turn out. You only know that deep down SOMETHING has to change.

In the parable of the Pearl of Great Price, the man sold everything to obtain the one thing that was most valuable to him.

We may not be required to give up a position or a role in life, but we most certainly will find it necessary to relinquish its importance to us.

Even more than that, our ideas of how things ought to be will have to change. Rather than fight life, let us learn from it. “It is hard to kick against the goads”, Jesus said to Paul.

Humility is the first step.

“Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matt 11:29-30 NAS)

Ask your Teacher to show you how to take His yoke in exchange for the one you struggle under. Be prepared to learn some things about yourself and about His better way.

Your dissatisfaction was divinely ordered, and so your liberation awaits. Because Jesus is the Author and Finisher of your salvation, you are in good hands.

“{For I am} confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

(Phil 1:6 NAS)

The Dream Team will not be available from August 24 to Sept 11, 2011.  Any dreams submitted during this time will receive interpretations after the team returns.

Thank you for understanding!

In Frank Baum’s famous story, The Wizard of Oz, is a lion whose behavior is far removed from his rank as “King of the Jungle”.  He is a pathetic, sniveling coward afraid to lead and to confront the threats that surround him and his traveling companions.  Near the end of the story, he finally rises to the challenge and demonstrates courage for the very first time, which brings a positive transformation to his personality and respect from the others.

Too often in the Body of Christ, we have leaders with a position of authority who are afraid to address the very real problems in the lives of those they oversee.  Too often, the leader shies away with a promise to pray over the troublesome situation, while apparently waiting for it to go away or for someone else to deal with it.

(Granted, there are also tyrants in leadership, but that problem is not my topic today.)

The call to leadership is a call to take responsibility, to take action.

Confusion exists over “not judging”, or “not controlling”, or “not crossing boundaries”.  It is time for Cowardly Lions to take courage, to stand up and risk the displeasure of those directly affected or of  onlookers.

Where legal criminality is not a factor, believers are called to settle disputes among other fellow believers internally. Civil authority is authorized and obligated by our government to deal with lawbreakers. Likewise leaders in the Church are authorized and obligated by the Word of God to deal with problems that develop in the family, community, and ministry. How is it now that some leaders consider it to be “none of their business”?

When a church member doesn’t treat his employees well or cheats his brothers, should that not be addressed?  When an adult neglects caring for his elderly parent, should that be simply left to “we’ll pray about it”?

True leaders have to deal with the tough issues no one wants to clean up. Reconciliation is hard work.

President Harry Truman had a sign on his desk that read, “The buck stops here!”

If you want to be a godly leader, you will have to deal with your own desires to be liked and appreciated and to keep peace at any cost. Otherwise, you contribute to a festering problem that can contaminate the ministry’s effectiveness and perpetrate the wounding. Every leader must at some point choose between doing what makes people happy and what is right. An offended or wronged person’s only hope of recourse by human means may be you, Christian leader. God usually chooses a Moses or a Nathan to bring deliverance to painful and difficult situations.

Yes, it is true that people may not like it when you address their sins and shortcomings. And yes, confrontation needs to be done with compassion, wisdom, and in a timely manner.

Leaders, do the hard thing. Love your people enough to get involved to bring justice.

“Masters, grant to your slaves justice and fairness, knowing that you too have a Master in heaven.” ~ Col 4:1

When A Leader Fails You

The Word instructs us to take our grievance directly to the pertinent individual and if that does not succeed, to bring along an ally in hopes of reconciliation.  What if the chosen ally was an elder or pastor who refused to get involved?  What recourse does the wronged believer have to bring resolution?

For every authority on the earth, there is a higher authority.  In our court systems, if you don’t like the decision the judge renders, you may have the right to appeal to a higher court.

Thank God there is a Heavenly Court of Appeals! Knowing that the heart of Father is reconciliation, we can be reassured that He will hear our case as we come in faith while extending and receiving forgiveness where needed. Draw hope and faith from His Word.

“…God who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation” ~ 2 Cor 5:18

Fewer Cowards

Leaders, those we minister to are looking for courageous men and women worthy of respect.  I urge every leader to prayerfully consider how to best eradicate any trace of personal cowardice with wisdom and compassion. The Lord Jesus is our example.

“Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love.” ~ 1 Cor 16:13-14

Thank you for accepting the call to courageous leadership!

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Lying awake in bed late at night and tossing and turning, the tormenting thoughts and disturbing emotions were relentless, forbidding rest, much less sleep. All attempts at relief, all the usual remedies, were not working. The grief and nagging hurt continued as the minutes slowly passed into hours. Nothing seemed to soothe the fretful brow, to restore peace.

Although knowing that internal peace is the inheritance of believers, that peace was taking a severe beating. The fight for peace to remain was fierce, and the promise was unchanged.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~ Phil 4:7

Reality was not matching the promise, so it was time to take a closer look. The prior verse showed the condition for the promise:

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.”

~ Phil 4:6

The problem seemed to lie in leaving the request in confident trust with the Lord, while the painful situation remained apparently unresolved.

The Spirit of God brought this reminder:

“But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities:
the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” ~ Isa 53:5 KJV

This phase means “the whipping for our shalom fell upon Him” (with my thanks to David Alsobrook http://www.davidalsobrook.com for the definition).

The Crown of Pain and Mockery
He took the beating for our peace. This was amplified to me as I thought about the crown of thorns.

“And after twisting together a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand; and they knelt down before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” They spat on Him, and took the reed and {began} to beat Him on the head.”

~ Mat 27:29-30

The soldiers made a crown out of thorns and pushed into His skin. The prickly thorns were a constant source of irritation, compounded by the mockery and beating on His head. Some sources have said this particular type of thorn caused incessant itching as well– relentless, hurting, irritating barbs without relief.

What an illustration of mental and emotional distress!

The mockery and accusations continued:

“He saved others; He cannot save Himself. He is the King of Israel; let Him now come down from the cross, and we will believe in Him. “HE TRUSTS IN GOD; LET GOD RESCUE {Him} now, IF HE DELIGHTS IN HIM; for He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” ~ Matt 27:42-43

As a parallel, in our times of distress, similar accusing thoughts attack our minds, asking, “Where is your God? Why hasn’t He done anything?”

These accusations do not resolve the pain or solve any problem, but are only instruments of torment, designed to bring fear, guilt, and doubt, to further keep us from experiencing the peace of God.

His Thorns for Our Peace
Each part of Jesus’ suffering has provided a corresponding remedy for us. He has suffered for us so that we would be victorious and experience the abundant life He promised.

Just as salvation from sin and physical healing are included in the redemption Jesus purchased for us, so is the ability to remain in “perfect peace” (Is 26:3 KJV).

Having these promises of peace, and knowing that He is faithful to keep His word, it is time to have internal peace restored.

Finding Your Way Back to Peace

It may not be a quick or easy path, but the way back to peace is simple for it is tied to faith. Here are some basic steps:

1. Know that peace of mind and emotions is possible and is promised to you.
2. Air your complaint to the Lord, asking for His help, while being willing to have a new perspective and give up the old one, even when you do not understand.
3. Keep returning to the promise which was made possible through Jesus’ suffering on your behalf.
4. Choose to trust God, reaffirming it as often as necessary throughout the day or night.
5. Be thankful for His merciful help, remembering His faithfulness to you in times past.

In the place of peace, it may seem strange not to worry or be aggravated while the situation appears to remain unchanged. That is why it is “past comprehension”.

Peace accompanies faith, so that whether the storm passes quickly or not, we will endure in quietness and security in His love and care.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” ~ John 14:27

This is our inheritance. We can retain it with the grace He provides.

Driving early one morning through the Georgia foothills, it was evident this would not be a sight-seeing trip. The heavy fog enveloped us so that only the immediate road and signage was visible.

Watching for the correct numbered exit was the primary focus, even as the lack of scenic surroundings and need to drive more slowly made the distance between exits seem longer than usual.

Without opportunity to see and appreciate the green hills and waterways, we concentrated on the highway and the traffic.  Eventually as the morning wore on, the fog began to dissipate and our visibility increased.

Finding Your Way in the Fog

The fog in the natural world parallels this kind of haziness in our life or ministry path.

Many, many believers feel they are in a time of “foggy maneuvering”, often referred to as “transition”.  Not only is there metaphorical fog in life at times, but also much uncertainty on how to proceed. In such times, our point of departure may have been very clear at the time we left a place, environment, position, method, but the path to the next destination, or even what that place is, is very murky!

A new day is often accompanied by fog.

Just like that early morning in the Georgia foothills, this fog is temporary.  Eventually your path will become clear. You could possibly sit and wait, and in most situations, it will lift after a time. The actual distance to the next point will still need to be crossed, so sitting and waiting may not be the best option.

Slowing Down

Wisdom requires that when beginning to move forward in fog, to slow down. Your next step may only be a small one, and it may not take you far, but it is a step in the right direction.  Have you said, “All I know to do right now is…”?  Actually, that is exactly what you need to do.

Taking that next step is a combination of faith and the previous disciplines you have learned.

A man of God once described to me a bout of depression, burnout, and discouragement he went through.  “All I knew to do was to keep my daily discipline of reading the Word and prayer, as lifeless as it seemed at the time.  I didn’t increase the time I was accustomed to spending in devotions. I didn’t do much else during those days. Then one day, I woke up and I was better.”

Wow. So much for all the usual lists of “5 Steps to Your Breakthrough”.

Slowing down for you will not be the same as it is for other people.  But slowing down will mean to be cautious and not rush headlong into something new. It requires learning timing.

Slowing down calls for reflection, review, or perhaps calling a coach to help process what is happening. At a slower pace, your priorities may become reordered or clarified. It may be a time of “retuning to your first love”, or a change in perspective, roles, or function.

God is after something during this time. It is up to you to understand what that is.  And in my experience, He is never doing just one thing at a time. Hindsight often reveals additional insight.

The Issue of Faith

If faith is believing in what you cannot see, this is necessary for foggy maneuvering.  A demand is placed on your confidence in Who the Lord is and what He has promised.  Consider:

“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
~ Ps 119:105

Notice it is a lamp, not a floodlight. A lamp, like a small flashlight or candle, only lights a small area– just enough to see where to step next.  That is all that is needed at the moment, although we may prefer a much greater light.

Ever notice how walking by faith means you don’t get all the immediate answers you want?

When you take the first step, the next step is illuminated.  Eventually, you arrive at the destination.

“His word” may be a verse of Scripture, or it may very well be the leading of Holy Spirit speaking to your spirit. (Of course, such direction will not conflict with the written Word.)

An old hymn from my childhood begins, “Savior, like a shepherd, lead us.” It is time to stop singing and praying for leading, but to start believing your prayer was heard, and that the Lord wants to lead you even more than you want Him to! He may lead you to go very slowly for a time.  Some terrains cannot safely be navigated speedily.

Faith trusts that your Shepherd knows what He is doing in your life and is leading you, as you choose to look to Him and not go astray.

Finding the Exit

While maneuvering the fog,you will quite naturally be waiting for the exit sign to appear.  It may seem to have been a long wait, but if you have remained on the path of doing what you know to do, you will come across it. You will likely even come across hints and suggestions that you are getting closer. The Lord is most merciful to give encouragement when we need it.

When the indication for the exit comes, it will be when the time is right.  An opportunity may appear, or a direction, fresh wave of inspiration or vision for your future.  With the exit sign will come peace and internal joy.

“For you will go out with joy And be led forth with peace; The mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, And all the trees of the field will clap their hands.”
Is 55:12

“But thanks be to God, who always leads us in triumph in Christ, and manifests through us the sweet aroma of the knowledge of Him in every place.”
~ 2 Cor 2:14

Even if the way will be clearly challenging, you will be ready to undertake it, knowing your destiny is to triumph!

You are called to go from faith to faith. May God be glorified in your life like never before!

Healthy friendships are loving, supportive, respectful, and honest.We enjoy spending time with each other.

Oftentimes, when we are discouraged, it is a friend who comes along and makes us laugh or gives us reassurance and hope.

A true friend will not sabotage your dreams or be happy about your struggles.

Healthy people do not tolerate a friend who continually makes them feel worse with critical remarks and ridicule.

Yet, that very behavior is not only tolerated, but too often accepted, when it comes from our own inner voice. Barbs of criticism are mistakenly identified as “humility”, or even, appallingly, “the conviction of the Lord”.

Do you qualify to be your own best friend?

Or do you strive to earn your love?

The Commands to Love
Jesus taught that of all the commandments, two were the greatest.

“Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”

~ Matt 22:36-40 NAS

These are readily acknowledged by believers as foundational to the Christian life.

However, Jesus said to love other people as yourself. This part is often glossed over, as though it were a given that loving ourselves is something everyone naturally does.

Not true. Even among believers.

Do You Love You?
Loving yourself is not being prideful. It is actually a point of humility to obey the Lord in this.

It is obeying the 2nd greatest commandment. In light of this, apply these truths towards how you treat yourself.

“Love is patient, love is kind … does not take into account a wrong suffered,… does not rejoice in unrighteousness, but rejoices with the truth;… believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails;” ~ taken from 1 Cor 13:4-8

Certainly, you have flaws and need improvement, but that is part of being human! It’s no excuse not to treat yourself with patience, kindness, forgiveness, and respect.

You may say, “But I know how I am. I don’t measure up! I’m too this, I’m not that, I did something I shouldn’t have, etc.”

Let these truths liberate you:

You can grow! You can change!

Almighty God, who knows absolutely everything about you, inside and out, loves you, and invites you to imitate Him in love!

Permission to Love You
When we understand that God is love, and that He longs to flood us with His love, the outflow will not only encompass love for God and other people, but love for ourselves.

Love is like an river; it is meant to flow to us and through us.

How? Love is first of all received.

“We love, because He first loved us.” ~1 John 4:19 NAS

Drawing affection, acceptance, forgiveness, and comfort from the Lord, in appreciation for Who He is and what He has done for us, will work to bring a deeper healing and a fresh confidence as His beloved child.

“See how great a love the Father has bestowed on us, that we would be called children of God; and such we are…” ~ 1 John 3:1

It is true humility to obey His Word, trusting that “if God loves me, I can accept that and also love myself, flawed and imperfect as I am”.

You were born to be loved — by God, by others, and also by YOU.

• Recommended Reading:

Experiencing Father’s Embrace by Jack Frost

It is so easy to be delighted with a new puppy.  He is so cute, soft, cuddly, and eager to please. His tail is wagging and he is so happy to play with his new family.

He is given dishes of fresh water and puppy food, toys, and his own place to lie down.

All is going very well for a while, but the puppy has not yet learned his boundaries, or the rules of the house.  Before long, there are piddles on the kitchen floor and carpet, and chewed up shoes strewn about the bedroom. He has developed a pattern of barking at anything and everything at all hours of day and night.

Now the mood in the house has changed. The puppy is not so appealing anymore, and may even, after a time, be considered a nuisance and not worth the trouble.

Prophetic Puppies

This scenario is not too unlike what often happens when a person newly birthed into the prophetic gifts comes into the local church.

At first, there is great delight as the newly prophetic person begins to give a prophecy or tell a vision. He may be nervous at first, unsure of what he is perceiving or a little insecure about speaking out in public.

After a time, he finds he and his gifts have been well-received, and he rests in the love and encouragement he experiences. He becomes more confident and is emboldened to continue.

However, as with puppies, without wrong intention and although meaning well, he invariably makes some mistakes, some errors in judgments or timing or tone.  He may blurt out insensitively in a way that further wounds a hurting person. Or he may believe he is called to “straighten out” a leader, or he may even interrupt the pastor’s teaching. He may deliver an accurate word from the Lord in such an obnoxious manner, that no one is receptive to what he had to say.

The mood in the house has now changed.  At this point, some decide it is not worth the trouble to allow the saints to minister with their gifts. Or the prophetic enthusiast decides to he is not appreciated and it would be better if he left.

However, the best thing is for him to humbly learn how to be a blessing, frequently with the loving, helpful correction of the elders or pastor.

Some people are embarrassed or hurt when needful adjustment comes, even if they are taken aside and it is delivered in the kindest way. It is not easy to receive or give correction, and in my experience, it can often go awry.

Need for Pastoral Wisdom

Some elders and pastors lack understanding and discernment into how healthy prophetic ministry is to function in a public setting. They may be unaware of how to offer genuinely constructive criticism that does not promote the unintended shutdown of the gifts.

Other leaders abdicate their responsibility by allowing the “piddles and chewed shoes” to continue unchecked. This inaction discourages the congregation, weakens the leadership, and may inadvertently allow the neophyte to remain deluded that all is well.

Sadly, too often, pastors and prophetic people find themselves at odds with one another. Respect, patience, and a willingness to work together will go a long way towards personal and ministry maturity.

Pastor, do not get discouraged if you have to clean up a few messes from the learner. The writer of this proverb made a pertinent observation.

“Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.”

~ Prov 14:4 NAS

Need for Instruction and Training

Like the new puppy, the prophetically gifted believer is delighted to share his gifts and wants to be faithful to the Lord and a blessing to the people.

His errors, are just that, the errors of the inexperienced or the bad habits his unchecked behavior has developed.

Here is a key verse for believers:
“So also you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek to abound for the edification of the church.”

~ 1 Cor 14:12 NAS

To edify is to build up the church. The gifts are given to be an encouragement, to add strength or comfort. The church is to be stronger and more passionate to serve the Lord as a result of the gifts.

Again, humility will go a long way in furthering future effectiveness in ministry.

Hope

We are all in a process of growth and maturity.  If God has stirred you to desire and pursue the gifts, we agree with that and encourage your development.

With some instruction, reassurance, and training in a safe environment with patient teachers, you can excel.

A Practical Solution

Piddles and chewed shoes can become a memory or rare occurrence, rather than an ongoing reality.

We have a shovel to help clean up the messes and also guidelines to help prevent more messes!

We offer classes and workshops designed to encourage and instruct those who wish to minister spiritual gifts in courtesy, wisdom, and respect.

We also offer training to sharpen the more experienced believers to improve their ability to minister accurately and to become a greater asset to the work of the ministry.

“…Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

~ Col 4:17 NAS

It was a difficult time of upheaval, change,uncertainty, and loss mixed with abandonment. Then I heard the Lord speak to my heart:

“Lean into this season.”

At the time, I was resisting the circumstances, suffering from the pain I felt so deeply, questioning and doubting myself.

To me, this meant to accept what was. I was not going to get all the answers I wanted. There were so many things I was powerless to change, yet I wanted things to be different than what they were.

Many other times I have seen the power of prayer and faith-filled words bring a turn-around to negative situations.  However, this time it was not so much resisting evil, as it was resisting change.

Ordinarily, I am one to instigate changes fairly regularly.  Some of what I was resisting was the result of my changes or the consequences of choices other people made. Some were the result of changing stages of life, and others were clearly the hand of God.  Altogether, it was, to me, a colossal amount of discomfort.

Lesson on a Motorcycle

“Leaning into” reminds me of the first time I rode on the back of a motorcycle. My natural inclination was to lean away from the turn, but I was instructed to lean into the curve to prevent a nasty spill on the road. It is the proper and best way to navigate curves.

The instruction the Lord gave me was also the best way to navigate the curves life had thrown me. It speaks of a trust in the process, rather than resisting and trying to control it– not an easy or natural thing for any of us to do.

“Leaning into” is an active stance, not a passive one. It is pressing into and embracing reality, letting go of what I cannot change. When it came to other people, it meant respect for the choices they made, whether or not I liked them or whether or not they put me at a disadvantage.

When I found myself discouraged or disappointed by my circumstances, I remembered to lean in and trust the Guardian of my soul (1 Pet 2:25).

“The eternal God is a dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms…” ~ Deut 33:27 NAS
A Season, Not Forever

Realizing that this uncomfortable period of time was temporary, rather than permanent, was reassuring.  I smiled when I remembered how often I have read in the Bible, “It came to pass.”  I have often encouraged others that “It came to pass, not to stay!”

Even the natural change of seasons was reassuring to me that this season of my life, whether three months or three years or however long, would cycle through eventually. Again, it is a deeper trust issue, that I was not abandoned or forgotten by the Lord, and that He would complete and perfect what He had begun in me.

“While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” ~ Gen 8:22 NAS

This has been a growth process for me, and one which I have not always endured very well.  Yet, the Lord is faithful and I am confident that as we actively trust Him to work things out, they will, even if differently than how we had hoped.

These days it seems that everyone I know is in some state of flux.  Many are confused and uncertain. If this is your situation, I encourage you to take another look at the Serenity Prayer and trust that this too shall pass as you trust His work in you.

Serenity Prayer
God
grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.
Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
as it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
if I surrender to His Will;
That I may be reasonably happy in this life
and supremely happy with Him
Forever in the next.
Amen.
~ Reinhold Niebuhr